She loves to dance...

I'm tied up with Hurricane Alex right now...

We were without power from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., so it's not been a "normal" day, but I'll just share these pictures I received from our son. Our granddaughter is wearing a purple skirt. This is a school programshe was in last week in Mexico.

I couldn't resist sharing it with you!

Today has special meaning...

Happy Anniversary to my parents

who would have been married

64 years today.

I miss you!

Readying for Alex...

We could be in for a little excitement.

You can barely see Tropical Storm (TS) Alex

in the Gulf of Mexico.

We are already feeling some of the effects from the weather change...

but we're ready. Here are a few of our "supplies"...

Just need to get the cheese and crackers ready!

It's Mosaic Monday north of the Rio Grande River!

Collage on the Rio!

Here are just a few pictures from the hunting ranch... which is 25 miles north of the Rio Grande River and the border with Mexico.

I'm linking to Little Red House at

http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com/2010/06/mosaic-monday-purple-fields.html

"Salad and Sundaes" at church

Around 7:00 A.M. my wonderful husband was out grilling vegetables and chicken breasts for a salad that I wanted to take to church for what we call "Salads and Sundaes" .... salad, ice cream sundaes and of course, our usual church.

We never grill that early in the morning, so even Tigger, our old man kitty, was curious enough to start wandering around the house, meowing.

I seasoned everything with our new magic ingredient...

Chorizo de San Manuel - All Purpose Seasoning.

It has just the right amount of spice... without being spicy-hot.

My husband proceded to grill seasoned chicken breasts, eggplant, fresh corn, and yellow squash. I didn't realize that the corn should not have been shucked, but it still turned out great. In the meantime my husband of 40 years told me how when he was a teenager, during corn season he would come home from school, light a fire in the barbecue pit and grill corn for a snack. Now that's a man who likes his corn!

I'd never heard that story. I got sort of tickled over that.

The veggies were grilled and so yummy. I could barely keep from digging in prematurely. I them come to room temperature before making the salad. In the meantime, I prepared the Romaine lettuce.. in very small bites, chopping green bell pepper, green onion (decided I'll use purple onion next time), tiny tomatoes, and rinsed black beans. I chopped up the cooked chicken breasts and began mixing it all together.

The grilled veggies were cut in tiny pieces.

I did add some grated Parmesan cheese for whatever reason... I'm not sure.

When I got to church I added cut-up avocados and homemade vinigrette

dressing. I ground fresh black pepper and added a little sea salt.

It was pretty yummy and not a bite was left to take home!

Summer Sundays at Las Islas Ranch

This past Father's Day was full of fun and as they say... South Texas Sun! We have a hunting lease and whether you are a hunter or not, you might just appreciate the more desert-like beauty that surrounds us. Some of our closest friends are also on this lease. We spend more

weekends out there just keeping up with the repairs and making sure that the feeders

are full.

Summer Sundays and the whole weekend for that matter are also spent at the "cement pond". It is actually an above ground cement tank once used for water storage for cattle. When the land was leased by earlier hunters, the pond was turned into a pool. The water is crystal clear since it has a filteration  system. It provides a cooling-off opportunity important in nearly 100 degree weather, especially for those who have been working under the sun. Once in awhile there will even be a midnight swim, especially if there is a full moon.

It's very deep so almost everyone uses a "noodle" for floating. As you can see there is a little pink object in the pool. That is one of our resident "mascots", Ella Grace. She loves the water and many of the folks take turns holding on to her.

Ella Grace with her daddy as he enjoys his

very first Father's Day!

This is one of the ways we enjoy our

Summer Sundays.

To contribute to Summer Sundays visit

The Tablescaper at

http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com/

Several people commented on "Mrs. Baker" in my little story below. Believe it or not, Mrs. Baker's Boarding House was real... only it was not for just women. My mother-in-law lived there while she was a young teacher recruited to teach in south Texas. Karen

Oh my gosh! I just came from Debbie's blogging and blabbing... You must go there to see her video. She's so much fun!
http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com/2010/06/debbies-blogging-and-babblingvideo.html

Bloggerette Sorority - An Evening to Remember

It was almost time for the dance to start. Elsie, Maude, Clara, Mattie and Edna

were running between each other's rooms borrowing a little pink rouge and  powder to enhance their young and already beautiful faces.

They picked at their "rats" and carefully tucked them into their hair to add a bouffant appearance that was so popular.

All teachers at a school nearby, the young women were thrilled to have been invited to a summer dance by five young male teachers at a boys' school not far away. Living at Mrs. Baker's Ladies' Boarding House,

certain rules had to be followed.

"NO MEN - NO SMOKING - NO DRINKING - NO PROFANITY"

A large sign greated the women as they walked in daily from school.

Mrs. Baker was strict to say the least.

Maude yelled for everyone to be at the front door in five minutes.

The young women all ran down the stairs, stood, looking at the mirror that hung by the front door, took a deep breath and gathered their composure.

Edna opened the front door and the stream of fashionable young ladies made their way down the steps.

It would be a night to remember!

It was only a half - mile walk to the civic building where all town functions

were held. The night was pleasant and as they had walked

people turned their heads to enjoy the sight of the young women.

Entering the building Clara was the first to see the group of  men

they were intended to meet.

"Don't act too anxious," she whispered to her friends.

Mattie thought it a good idea to make their way over to the punch bowl

and enjoy a cool drink before "being discovered".

Carl, Earl, Stan, Nick and Arthur spotted the young women they had

been waiting for. Two of them were slicking their hair down

and the other three were straightening their bow ties.

The ambled over to their "dates" and greeted them, presenting them

with tiny pink roses to pin to their dresses or put in their hair.

The music was just starting and everyone was anxious to try out their

new dance steps they had been practicing.

It was an evening of fun and even a little romance.

It was agreed that a Sunday picnic by the town lake was

in order for the next day.

As the young women made their way back home, being careful to

stay in a group, they shared little tidbits of conversation.

Stars were in their eyes and as they fell asleep that night

dreams of love and sweet kisses in their future left 

smiles on their lips. 

Join us for the fun!!

http://somedaysarediamonds-karen.blogspot.com/2010/06/sorority-is-born.html

Oops! Forgot that I was supposed to add my picture with my

"rush project"!

Greetings from "Tejas"!

I've had a facelift - on my blog that is!

Thanks for stopping by to see my new "face". Karen Valentine has given me a new look, which I needed desperately. As you scroll down here you will see her little icon, so go check her out. What a joy it will be seeing more of a personal look here on Ladybug Creek. Thanks, Karen!
(Don't you just love all these "Karens"??)

A White Haze for a White Wednesday

This picture was taken early in the morning at the ranch in

deep south Texas. There was a white haze and that coupled with a "chilled" camera produced this picture.

Not that I would recommend storing your camera in a

cold room before taking

pictures, but it took several minutes before I could get my camera to

take pictures normally. Oh well... it was an interesting effect.

It sort of boils down to me keeping our casita at the ranch

COLD !

http://fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com/

Scoot over to Faded Charm Cottage

and enjoy some true whites!

"Molasses, molasses, icky, sticky gooey...."

September 1, 1954

My first day of school.

This little girl loved... and I mean craved molasses. Still does! It seems that when I need a "cure" for most anything, molasses is what I want.

That means it's time to take out my handy, dandy

Betty Crocker Cookbook for Boys and Girls...

which I have mentioned several times during the life of

Ladybug Creek.

Today is no exception. I have the start of a cold.

My grandmother, Mother "B" would call a summer cold,

a "fresh cold". They're about the worst!

Out has come my cookbook and I've just prepared the

batter for gingerbread.

The aroma is heavenly.

I think I can smell the molasses with its tangy

sulphur flavor. Hmmmm!

(I think the bottle says it is "unsulphured", but I smell it!)

And here is a serving for my "sweetie".

He loves it when I bake for him.

Why, how did I know he had a hankerin' for gingerbread?

Gingerbread

Betty Crocker Cookbook for Boys and Girls

ca. 1961

Heat oven to 325 degrees

Grease and flour a 9" square pan

Mix thoroughly:

1/2 c. soft shortening, 2 Tbps. sugar, 1 egg

Blend in:

1 c. dark molasses, 1 c. boiling water

Stir in:

2 1/4 c. sifted Gold Medal Flour, 1 tsp. soda, 1/2 tsp. salt,

1 tsp. ginger, 1 tsp. cinnamon

Beat until smooth.

Pour into prepared pan.

Bake about 45 - 50 minutes (mine usually takes less)

I serve mine with applesauce on top.

Feelin' better already!

I've decided to link up over at

http://crazyjayzplace.blogspot.com/

Happy Father's Day, David!

You are one terrific dad and granddad!

Our sons are good men due to your fine example.

The time you have spent with our grandchildren

have shaped their outlook on people, animals and the world.

Taking time to have fun with them and to teach

them songs and games is priceless.

We love you!

"Vintage Thingie Thursday" -- This was a surprise!

My mother-in-law loved this planter. I think she felt like it reminded her of my father-in-law and her. I was never partial to it at all. In fact, if was my least favorite item that belonged to her. When we divided up my husband's parents' belongings when they both passed away, no one wanted this planter.

Even though I had never cared for it, I couldn't let it go into the "throw-away" pile.

It had sat on my mother-in-law's kitchen window sill forever.

I decided to take it.

Two years ago I was looking through an antiques book.

I'm sure you can figure out the rest of the story.

There it was. Valued at $200.

Thanks, Mom!

I'm linking over to Colorado Lady at her

Vintage Thingie Thursday

Visit her at

http://coloradolady.blogspot.com/2010/05/vintage-thingies-thursday-wonderful.html

It's White Wednesday - So here is some white!

I just cannot resist milk glass. My mother had some very nice pieces which I inherited. This particular piece she kept in her bathroom near her tub. She would display a pretty arrangement of dried flowers in it.

I gave it a good washing this evening

and pulled out the last of the wax paper she had used for her final arrangement.

(sigh..) But isn't it a pretty vase?

I linking over to

Faded Charm at

http://fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com/

Go ahead... enjoy the whites!

It's "Second Time Around" time ...

I ran this picture once however it was recent and I'm still flying high from my really special find.

This Fostoria American punch bowl

I bought this at an antiques store in Austin, Texas recently for $50. There are twelve cups that go with it, however, they do not all match. Not a problem for me.

It has passed the test for being authentic Fostoria American and I

was amazed that when I started getting estimates on its value it was

close to $200.

If there was anything that has instilled the thrill of the hunt in me...

it is this punch bowl!

Run over to A Picture is Worth a 1,000 Words

http://diane1876.blogspot.com/

for some fun with

My Mother

My mother, grandmother and me

This picture was taken long ago, but I'm thinking today about all of the good times I had with my mother. She loved to cook and entertain. My mother worked at Texas A&M University with two wonderful positions there. In spite of her busy schedule, she found time to have friends over and thought nothing of

cooking a full course Italian dinner on a whim.

My mother passed away two years ago today.

Thank you, Mother, for so many wonderful memories

and setting the bar so high.

Do you have plantar fasciits? Let me suggest...

What is plantar fasciitis?


Plantar fasciitis (say “PLAN-ter fash-ee-EYE-tus”) is the most common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is the flat band of tissue (ligament) that connects your heel bone to your toes. It supports the arch of your foot. If you strain your plantar fascia, it gets weak, swollen, and irritated (inflamed). Then your heel or the bottom of your foot hurts when you stand or walk.

Plantar fasciitis is common in middle-aged people. It also occurs in younger people who are on their feet a lot, like athletes or soldiers. It can happen in one foot or both feet.

What causes plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is caused by straining the ligament that supports your arch. Repeated strain can cause tiny tears in the ligament. These can lead to pain and swelling. This is more likely to happen if:

Your feet roll inward too much when you walk (excessive pronation ).

You have high arches or flat feet.

You walk, stand, or run for long periods of time, especially on hard surfaces.

You are overweight.

You wear shoes that don't fit well or are worn out.

You have tight Achilles tendons or calf muscles.

What are the symptoms?

Most people with plantar fasciitis have pain when they take their first steps after they get out of bed or sit for a long time. You may have less stiffness and pain after you take a few steps, but your foot may hurt more as the day goes on. It may hurt the most when you climb stairs or after you stand for a long time.

Here's my story:   Three years ago, I was visiting my parents, barely able to walk due to this condition. I asked my father where I could find some decent shoes to wear to help me get through this very painful condition. He drove me to our old shoe store that he would take us to when we were children. If anyone knew about shoes, the owners of this place would. Indeed they did! I told the woman what my problem was and she directed me right over to Dansko shoes. The back row, clodhoppers  shoes she showed me were probably the ugliest shoes I've ever seen. Obediently I tried them on. I could not believe how I felt some immediate relief. The woman told me that if I would wear these shoes every day for six months, I would likely be cured. Wow! I could have cared less how much they cost. They are pricey... I paid $120 for this pair. Thank goodness it was winter time and the shoes looked fine with my jeans and jean-type pants that I love to wear in cold weather. In no way did it take six months... by the end of the week I was feeling so much better. I did wear them as recommended.

Here is my current collection of Dansko shoes... the brown and the black sandles are most recent. I can wear the shoes from morning until night.

This is a long posting.. but if you have this condtion I encourage

you to give them a try!

Bloggin' and music on this fine Saturday!

Manzanillo, Mexico

2008

I'm slightly getting back to "normal" on my blog. Goodness! I doubt I'll ever stray from home again. I was surprised at how unsettled it made me feel. Thanks to my good friend and neighbor, Laura (White Spray Paint) who cheered me onward.

Something else... I love most music on blogs as long as it is not distracting. Once in awhile I cross the line there but it just seems like it fits... especially if there are old pictures. Then I try to find music that fits that period of time. I love doing that. Right now I have music that is very soothing. I just leave my blog on and while I work around the house I can listen to it. There are a few other blogs I do that with as well.

Have a wonderful Saturday, everyone!

Karen